THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
LIGHTING THE ADVENT CANDLES
Hymn Lyrics
VOICE - Last Sunday we lit the candle of peace. We light it
and the candle of hope again as we remember that Christ,
who was born in Bethlehem, will come again to judge the
world and bring it everlasting peace. (a person lights
the candles of hope, and peace.)
VOICE - The third candle of Advent is the Candle of Joy. When
the angel Gabriel told Mary that a special child would be
born to her she was filled with joy. She sang a song
that began with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord,
my spirit rejoices in God my savior.
VOICE - Just as the birth of Jesus gave great joy to his
mother, so his presence in the world gave joy to those
who had none before. He healed them and gave them hope
and peace when they believed in him. From hope, peace,
and love grows joy.
VOICE - We light the candle of joy to remind us that when Jesus
is born in us we have joy and that through him there will
be everlasting joy on earth. (a person lights the candle
of joy)
Hymn Lyrics
VOICE - Joy is like a light shining in a dark place. As we
look at this candle we celebrate the joy we find in Jesus
Christ.
VOICE - Let us pray: Thank you God for the joy you give us. We
ask that as we wait for all your promises to come true,
and for Christ to come again, that you would remain
present with us. Help us today, and everyday to worship
you, to hear your Word, and to do your will by sharing
your joy with each other. We ask it in the name of the
one who was born in Bethlehem. Amen.